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Prostate Cancer- Sex and Friendships

Prostate cancer treatment effects, such as ED and a reduced libido, may decrease or even eliminate a man's ability to have sex (intercourse), but friendships help soften the blow.

Let's face it, sex is not the only way to get your endorphins to kick in. And friendships offer one path among many to get out of the doldrums after prostate cancer treatment and reach a "natural high." As another blogger wrote a few months ago in regard to most folks (whether or not prostate cancer has occurred), there's a host of wonderful activities that offer the benefits of sex, when intercourse is no longer possible, or for that matter, when Viagra or other ED pills or devices work at least on occasion, but you don't have a sexual partner for that occasional "afternoon delight."

The list includes self-loving (masturbation), although self-stimulation may be a more precise phrase as it can be part of broader self-loving (versus self-hating). Then too there's massage, yoga, and aromatherapy - which are also great stress relievers. Close family ties and friendships where hugging and laughing are experienced, as well as exercise, spiritual routines, and what some have called "natural therapies" are additional ways to "rev up your motor" and sublimate your sexual needs. (See www.WhatDidtheDoctorJustSay.Blogspot.com/2010/01/Health-Benefits-of-Having-Sex-Reduction.html.)

In my view forming friendships needs to be the “first order of business”, whether or not a person has a sex partner, since close friendships can provide some physical and emotional benefits that parallel the emotional and physical outcomes of sex.

To elaborate, endorphins often flow when you have close relatives and friends. A joyful sense of being together with people who have a lot in common with you can serve you well. Simply pursuing activites with friends, whether conversing, going to the theater, helping each other find a job, etc., can reduce pain and stress.

It's important to emphasize why that occurs. I believe it’s because you know someone is there for you - someone you can trust and who can trust you as well. Most of us can get an emotional high by confirming each other's doubts, defeats and victories, and going the extra mile for each other.

This delightful dynamic is feasible even in perfectly platonic relationships.